System and method for monitoring and controlling energy distribution

ABSTRACT

Systems that monitor and control energy distribution manage energy distribution or use for Energy Service Providers and end-users. A system includes a publicly or privately accessible distributed network, a network access device, and a management device. The network access device communicates with the management device through the distributed network to control loads at a remote location. The method of monitoring and controlling energy distribution receives data at an on-line Site, processes an application program that evaluates load and market supply data, and initiates power curtailment requests or power curtailment events.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/602,071 filed Jun. 22, 2000 and is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,509, whichis incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and a method that managesenergy use, and in particular, to a system and a method that monitorsenergy use and energy supplies using either a public or a privatedistributed network to initiate curtailment requests and disconnectdispensable loads from energy supplies or activate end-user generators.

2. Description of Related Art

New supplies of electricity will be needed as demand for electricitygrows. To meet this demand, local and regional utilities are evaluatingmany different strategies from the building of thermal(steam-generated), water powered, fossil fuel, and nuclear generators tothe pooling of unutilized electric capacity. In pooling systems,utilities join together in a grid system to share and distributeunutilized electric capacity through open market allocations. Thesesystems offer great opportunities for economic gain as electric demandcan be met without substantial investments in new power plants. However,these systems also have risks. Grid systems can breakdown when demandexceeds supply, which can affect large numbers of end users. To protectagainst power failures, end-users must also improve end-use efficiency.

One means of achieving a sustainable supply of electric power in thefuture is to use efficient end-use technologies. Energy efficiencyprograms that focused only on appliances, power plants, and equipment inthe past now need to pursue other avenues of technology that increasethe availability of energy and improve supply and end-user efficiency.New technologies must be found to meet customer, generator, supplier,network operator, regulator, and environmental policy maker objectives.

Another means of achieving a sustainable supply of electric power is tocreate competitive electric markets driven by demand side bidding. Thegoal of demand side bidding is to reduce the demand for energy throughefficient load utilization and efficient energy distribution.

Demand side bidding offsets the need for increased generation throughdemand reduction. The system treats an offer from an end-user to reducedemand as an offer to sell generated electricity. The energy notconsumed by an end-user is considered “generated” as it is available tomeet other demand. There can be contractual incentives for end-users toswitch dispensable loads off-line during periods of high demand.End-users, for example, might receive payments for “generating”electricity they do not consume. In practice, such a system has not metexpectations as it requires an accessible system that integrates openmarket price exchanges with advanced technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an Internet Customer Curtailment Moduledevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a Command and Control Center of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the Command and Control Center of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the Command and Control Center of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a flow-chart of the Energy1st-2000 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an on-line Site of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary start-page of the on-line Site of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary address dialog-box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary contact dialog-box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary load summary dialog-box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary option dialog-box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary forecast dialog box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary communication summary of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary Energy1st-2000 dialog-box of FIG. 1 illustratinga HVAC interface assigned to an exemplary zone and exemplary metersummaries.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary log of the exemplary zone of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an exemplary Energy1st-2000 dialog box of FIG. 1 assigned toan exemplary zone.

FIG. 18 is an exemplary Watermark dialog-box of the exemplary zone ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an exemplary application function of FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary start-page dialog box of the curtailment systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is an exemplary application function of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary message initiation and automated load managementfunction of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is an exemplary curtailment notification/acknowledgement statussummary of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is an exemplary user-defined graphic of FIG. 1.

In the drawings, the same reference numbers through several viewsdesignate the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The system and method of the present invention overcomes many barriersto a successful demand side bidding program by integrating open marketenergy price exchanges with advanced communication, database, andcurtailment technologies. The system and method of the inventionprovides complete access to real-time load profiles and load controldata and provides end-users, such as end-user customers, and energysupply providers with manual, automatic, and hybrid control of loadreduction processes that optimize energy distribution and energy use.Energy supply providers include energy marketers, grid owners,utilities, merchant plant proprietors, cooperatives, and municipalities.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of theinvention. The system 2 preferably comprises a network access devicesuch as an Energy1st-2000 (“E1-2000”) 4, a customer or end-userinterface 6, an Energy Service Provider (“ESP”) interface 8, and amanagement device 10. The network access device, customer or end-userinterface 6, ESP interface 8, and management device 10 are preferablyjoined together by gateways linked together by a publicly accessible ora privately accessible distributed network. The gateways performprotocol conversions, data translations, data conversions, and messagehandling.

Preferably, an access provider, such as an Internet Service Provider(“ISP”) 12, provides network connectivity services to the network accessdevice, the customer or end-user interface 6, the ESP interface 8, andthe management device 10. Connectivity can be provided in many ways. Oneway allows devices to dial up the access provider through a modem. Amodem, which is any device that converts data from one form to another,uses landlines or wireless transceivers to access remote devices.Connectivity can also be achieved through dedicated lines such as T1carriers. T1 carriers are private lines or leased lines unlike thepublic lines or switched lines used in standard dial-up telephoneconnections. T1 carriers provide high bandwidths that can transmit largeblocks of text and image data. A third means of connectivity usesset-top boxes that uses communication and signal-routing technology toaccess publicly accessible networks, such as the Internet 16 throughcoaxial, fiber optic, twisted pair, or other types of cable.

A network access device is a controller and its supporting interfacesthat coordinates communication and control between power monitoringcircuitry, power curtailment circuitry, and a distributed network. Apreferred embodiment of a network access device is an E1-2000 4 thatlinks power monitoring circuitry 14, power curtailment circuitry, and amanagement device 10 through a publicly accessible distributed networksuch as the Internet 16, for example. An E1-2000 4 accepts structuredinput; processes it according to a set of prescribed rules, and producesoutputs. Some outputs are sent to the management device 10 through theISP 12.

In the preferred embodiment, the E1-2000 4 comprises a processor, anon-volatile or FLASH memory, two RS-232-C asynchronous serialcommunication ports, one RS-232-C/RS-485 asynchronous serialcommunication port, a modem, a Local Area Network (“LAN”) device, suchas an Ethernet device or LAN that utilizes Carrier Senses with MultipleAccess Collision Detection (“CSMA/CD”) protocol to regulatecommunication line traffic, three relay controlled (“digital”) and twoanalog voltage channels, an eight channel pulse accumulator device, apush button-switch card with an interface, a visual (“a light”) and/orauditory (“piezoelectric transducer”) alarm and a 60 W/110V powersupply.

The E1-2000 4 operates under the control of a processor that provides aplatform to execute application programs. The non-volatile or Flashmemory stores code and data on a temporary (“volatile”) and on apermanent (“non-volatile”) basis. Unlike some non-volatile memory thatis erased and programmed in bytes, the FLASH memory is erased andprogrammed in blocks and in some preferred embodiments can interfacefive volt, three volt, and two volt system buses. In one preferredembodiment, the FLASH memory performs reading and programming operationssimultaneously.

Preferably, two RS-232-C asynchronous serial communication ports providepoint-to-point serial communication between peripheral devices. TheRS-232-C/RS-485 serial communication port allows multiple meters, pulseaccumulators 18, device control and building control systems, counters,and displays to be connected to the same RS-232-C/RS-485 line inparallel. Because each of these devices has its own unique digitaladdress, the RS-232-C/RS-485 port can support up to 254 digitaladdresses that allows multiple devices to be addressed and transmit onthe same communication line. An internal modem and Ethernet deviceallows the E1-2000 4 to communicate with an access provider such as anISP 12 or other network nodes at a prescribed programmable frequency ofseconds, minutes, weeks, months or other desired time increments. Themodem and Ethernet device can communicate to devices dispersed acrosslocal or distant areas.

Preferably, three relay controlled voltage channels or digital channelsand two analog voltage channels interface external devices such asdispensable loads or generators. The three relay controlled and twoanalog voltage channels can control power generators and/or HeatingVentilation and Air Controllers (“HVAC”), lighting controls, motors,boilers, and cooler loads and/or other facility control systems, forexample.

The E1-2000 4 acquires data, in part, through one or more external pulseaccumulator devices 18 with firmware that gives it independentdecision-making ability. The pulse accumulator devices 18 track pulsefrequency and aggregate the number of pulses generated by powermonitoring circuitry such as a power meter 14 through eight separateelectrically isolated channels. In one preferred power monitoringcircuit, the frequency of the output pulses is proportional to theinstantaneous power tracked by the power monitoring circuit and theaggregate pulse count is proportional to the total watt-hours tracked bythe power monitoring circuit 14. In alternative preferred embodiments,the pulse accumulator device 18 is integrated within the E1-2000 4.

The push button-switch card 20 partially illustrated in FIG. 2 includesa plurality of manually actuated programmable switches 22. In thepreferred embodiment, one programmable switch 22 is programmed toinitiate a connection between the E1-2000 4 and the management device 10while a second programmable switch 22 is programmed to reset the E1-20004. The push-button switch card 20 can also comprise multi-functionalswitches such as programmable switches 22 that initiate connectionsbetween the E1-2000 4 and the management device 10 when actuating afirst state and reset the E1-2000 4 when actuating a second state.Another preferred feature of the push button-switch card 20 includesproviding a programmable switch 22 that actuates multiple states of theE1-2000 4 according to the time interval the switch is actuated.

Preferably, the E1-2000 processor controls the visual and/or theauditory E1-2000 alarm(s). In the preferred embodiment, when the E1-20004 receives a curtailment notification an auditory alarm is actuated fora timed interval that is preferably acknowledged through a pushbutton-switch 22 or deactivated by a lapse of time.

As part of the E1-2000 4 installation process, an E1-2000 4 iselectrically connected to the end-user's meters 14. Often, end-usersutilize one of three types of meters 14. These meters are standard pulsemeters, which include time of day kilowatt hour relay meters that can beoutfitted with a pulse relay board, pulse meters with internal pulseaccumulating circuitry, and smart meters. Standard pulse meters generateoutput pulses that are proportional to the instantaneous power deliveredto a load. A single E1-2000 4 can preferably read up to eight standardpulse meters. Each of the standard meters is connected to the E1-2000through the accumulator device 18 that tracks the frequency of theoutput pulses and aggregates or counts the meter pulse outputs. Thepulse accumulator device 18 comprises a user-defined multiplier circuitthat calculates the precise quantity of energy delivered to a load.Because pulse meters with internal pulse accumulating circuitry haveRS-232-C ports, these meters are directly connected to the E1-2000 4,bypassing the accumulator device 18. Similarly, smart meters have RS-485ports that directly connect to the E1-2000 4. While the E1-2000 4 iscapable of interfacing any combination of these meters, its multipleInstitute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (“IEEE”) standardinterfaces allows the E1-2000 4 to interface many other types of devicesor combination of meters and peripheral devices. Moreover, whenexpansion boards are used, alternative E1-2000 4 embodiments andaccumulator devices 18 can interface more than eight standard meters.

Preferably, the E1-2000 4 connects to a publicly accessible or aprivately accessible distributed network through a modem or a LAN suchas an Ethernet device. The Operating System and Application Software arestored in FLASH memory. Preferably, volatile memory such as RandomAccess Memory (“RAM”) stores operating data that is uploaded to themanagement device 10. However, to compensate for blackouts, brownouts,and power surges, RAM with power supply backup, non-volatile memory suchas Electrical Programmable Read-only Memories (“EPROM”), and/or Flashmemory is used to store operating data in alternative preferredembodiments to protect and maintain data integrity.

Once the E1-2000 4 is properly installed, it initially connects to themanagement device 10 through a publicly accessible distributed network,such as the Internet 16. All E1-2000s 4 preferably share a common accessprovider username and password, which allows each E1-2000 to connect tothe distributed network through a common global access account.

Upon connectivity, the E1-2000 4 identifies itself and identifies itscurrent Application Software version. If the management device 10, whichalso supports an on-line Site, determines that the Application Softwareis outdated, the management device 10 downloads a new version of theApplication Software before continuing its initialization routine. TheE1-2000 4 uses its remote upgrade capability to seamlessly updateApplication Software when needed.

Preferably, the E1-2000 synchronizes its internal clock with the systemclock of the management device 10 after it validates its ApplicationSoftware. Synchronization allows the management device 10 to track loadprofiles and curtailment events in real-time. The E1-2000 4 thencompares the date and time (“timestamp”) of its Configuration File withthe configuration timestamp stored in management device memory. If theConfiguration File attributes differ from the stored attributes, theE1-2000 4 downloads an updated Configuration File that preferablyincludes the E1-2000 callback frequency, its meter designations, itspulse accumulator device identity, its meter multiplier coefficients,its meter polling frequency, and its Watermark boundaries assigned toeach meter the E1-2000 4 supports. All expired data in memory is thenflushed before logging off of the management device 10 and disconnectingfrom the ISP 12.

Once the E1-2000 4 is initialized, preferably the E1-2000 4 connects tothe ISP 12 in response to a number of events. The E1-2000 connects tothe ISP 12 at its scheduled callback intervals, when a Watermarkviolation occurs, or when initiated by a ring instruction. The scheduledcallback intervals establish a standard schedule of connections betweenthe E1-2000 4 and the management device 10. In this event, the E1-2000 4automatically connects to the management device 10 at programmedintervals at which time the E1-2000 4 uploads all of its meter andoperating data to the management device.

A Watermark is a user-defined characteristic, operation, or conditionthat causes the E1-2000 4 to automatically interface the managementdevice 10 regardless of the E1-2000's 4 callback schedule. Preferably,when a Watermark violation occurs, the E1-2000 4 immediately connects tothe management device 10 through the ISP 12. In the preferredembodiment, Watermark violations occur when energy usage is (1) greaterthan (“Hi”) a user-defined limit, or (2) less than (“LO”) a user-definedlimit, or (3) equal to (“EQ”) a user-defined limit, or (4) less than auser-defined limit BUT not equal to zero (“LONZ”). Preferably, theE1-2000 4 compares meter data or peripheral data to its user designatedWatermarks each time a meter, accumulator device, or any other device ispolled, however, in alternative embodiments the E1-2000 can beprogrammed to continuously monitor the status of one or more devices andcompare the status of these devices with their prescribed Watermarks todetect Watermark violations in real-time.

Preferably, all communication between the E1-2000 4 and the managementdevice 10 is initiated by the E1-2000. If the E1-2000 modem is called,the E1-2000 modem will not receive the incoming call. In response to anyincoming call, the E1-2000 automatically contacts the management device10 when a communication line is available (the incoming call initiates a“ring instruction”). The E1-2000's 4 call protocol prevents the E1-20004 from communicating directly with unauthorized computers or devices andvice versa which protects the E1-2000 4 against external threats andaccess from unauthorized users such hackers. All communication to theE1-2000 4 is routed through the management device 10 or the LAN. Thus,it is the management device 10 or the LAN that decides whether it issafe to allow a message, a program parameter, a file, or other data topass to the E1-2000 device 4. Because LAN based E1-2000's 4 exist behindend-user Firewalls, these E1-2000s 4 are protected by the Firewallsecurity of the end-user's network as well.

When the E1-2000 4 connects to an ISP 12 it cycles through a programmedroutine. The E1-2000 4 first identifies itself through a unique code,which is a string of characters. The management device 10 compares thecode against a stored list of authorized codes. If the code isvalidated, the management device 10 allows the E1-2000 4 access. TheE1-2000 4 then validates its Application Software and synchronizes itsinternal clock with the system clock of the management device 10. Afterits clock is synchronized, the E1-2000 4 uploads each of its individualmeter or device readings, which are validated by the management device10 and then stored in a database. If any Watermark violations occurredsince the last E1-2000 4 interface, these violations are uploaded,validated, and entered in the database. The E1-2000 4 next downloads itscallback connection schedule and then validates its Configuration File.If any curtailment instructions were entered at the on-line Site or sentdirectly to the management device 10 by the ESP, the E1-2000 4 downloadscurtailment notification instructions before clearing expired oruploaded data, logging off of the management device 10, anddisconnecting from the ISP 12.

The E1-2000 4 receives a set of instructions from the management device10 when it is selected by an ESP to curtail energy consumption. Theseinstructions can include defining its callback intervals, actuating avisual and/or audible alarm, and controlling the analog and relaycontrolled (“digital”) voltage channels. Preferably, the managementdevice 10 will instruct the E1-2000 4 to shorten its callback frequencyor maintain a continuous connection with the management device 10 whichallows end-users and ESPs to receive real-time or near real-timemeasurements of end-user's energy consumption. During a curtailmentperiod, a visual and/or audible alarm can provide notice to an end-userthat an E1-2000 4 is operating under a curtailment notice. If apush-button switch 22 is used to deactivate the alarm, the E1-2000 4 canautomatically interface the management device 10 and record the time andfrequency the push-button switch 22 was actuated in a database and thustrack each time a curtailment notice was acknowledged.

Because the analog and relay controlled voltage channels are preferablyconnected to the end-user's control systems 24, the management device 10through the E1-2000 4 can directly control user's loads such as airconditioners, lights, pumps, etc., for example, and generators at theESP's or end-user's direction. The management device 10 can instruct oneor multiple analog voltage channels of the E1-2000 4 to produce a rangeof voltage levels. In the preferred embodiment, two analog voltagechannels produce a continuous voltage that range between 0.95 volts and2.6 volts. To ensure that the analog voltage channels will interface andcontrol many end-user internal or external control systems, loads, andgenerators, the E1-2000 4 can be incremented through one hundreddifferent steps within this voltage range. Other low, medium, and highvoltage ranges as designated by the IEEE Standards Board (LB 100A-April23, 1975) are used in alternative preferred embodiments to control low,medium, or high voltage systems.

Similarly, the management device 10 can instruct one or more of therelay controlled voltage channels of the E1-2000 4 to generate digitalsignals of varying pulse widths. In the preferred embodiment, therelay-controlled channels are capable of switching between two voltagestates at rates that range between 20 and 90 millisecond intervals.Other pulse width ranges are possible in alternative preferredembodiments. The relays generate digital signals that can interfaceend-user's controls 24 and allows relatively low power signals tocontrol high-powered devices. Either analog or relay controlled voltagechannels can control many combinations of loads, generators, andend-user control systems 24. Their individual or combined use depends onthe end-user's facilities and/or the end-user's and ESP's systemobjectives.

Other notable features of the E1-2000 4 includes (1) the ability of theE1-2000 4 to connect to an access provider such as an ISP 12 througheither a LAN or a modem if either device is inoperable; (2) the abilityof the E1-2000 4 to connect to an access provider such as a conventionalor low-Earth-orbit satellite provider through wireless transceivers; (3)the ability of the E1-2000 4 to access multiple ISP 12 access numbers ifone or more of the numbers are in use or are not available; (4) theability of the E1-2000 4 to access multiple secondary servers supportingthe management device 10 if the primary server fails or is inoperablethrough a LAN or a modem connection; and (5) the E1-2000's 4 use of theLINUX™ operating system, although other operating systems such asWINDOWS™, UNIX™, or operating systems used in SUN™ workstations or inAPPLE™ machines can be used in alternative preferred embodiments.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 3-5, block diagramsillustrate the structural, sequential, or functional relationships ofthe Command and Control Center (“CCC”) 26 (shown in FIG. 1) thatinterfaces and supports the management device 10. The CCC 26 comprisesend-user records 28, end-user groupings 30, a curtailment decisionmatrix 32, a curtailment module 34, a curtailment monitor 36, asettlement module 38, notification records 40, load management records42, and load reduction methods 44. These records and modules residewithin a database, memory, or a management system. In the preferredembodiment, the database is a relational database that includes ObjectLink Embedding (“OLE”) that stores information in tables-rows andcolumns of data and conducts searches by using data in specified rows orcolumns. The rows of the table represent records (a collection ofinformation about separate items) and the columns represent fields(particular attributes of a record).

As shown in FIG. 3, the CCC 26 maintains records describing anend-user's identity 28, notification records 46, load reduction records48, load-forecast records 50, curtailment history 52, and E1-2000 4records 54. The end-user's identity records 28 include the end-user'sname and address. The end-users name is simply a field thatdistinguishes one entity from another. The customer notification records46 include records of contacts, email, Internet, network, and facsimileaddressees. These records are referenced when the management device 10notifies end-users of market prices, when notifying end-users ofcurtailment events, or when other trigger action events occur.

Preferably, the load reduction records 48 include information on anend-user's displaceable loads, load reduction systems and controls, andgenerating devices. In the preferred embodiment, a record of loadreduction/displacement items includes data that identifies end-user'sgenerators, HVAC units, lighting control units, building control systemsused to control other devices, and other items. Preferably, the loadreduction records 48 also includes attributes such as (1) the level ofkilowatt reduction; (2) the trigger price at which a decision todisplace a load, activate a generator, or contact a control systemoccurs; (3) the number of days, years, and hours within a day a load canbe switched off-line, a generator can be activated, or a controllercontacted; (4) the notification lead time needed before a curtailmentevent can occur; and (5) whether the load, generator, or control systemis manually or automatically activated or deactivated.

Preferably, the load-forecast records 50 provide incremental andaggregate load forecast data over a prescribed period that include datathat can be automatically imported into the CCC 26 and is fullycompatible with other electronic devices and software such as devicesand software that graphically illustrate variables using histograms andplots and/or perform statistical analysis. This feature is useful foranticipating demand peaks and curtailment scheduling. In the preferredembodiment, the load-forecast records 50 include the incrementalkilowatt load forecast data over twenty four-hour periods, which areused to calculate end-user baselines for load curtailment performanceanalysis.

The curtailment records 52 preferably include load curtailmentinformation such as the date of the curtailment event, the message(s)sent to the designated end-user contact, the amount of electrical powerto be curtailed, the date and time the end-user contact was notified,the start-time and interval of time that the curtailment event willoccur, the end-user contact's response to the curtailment notice, loaddata that allows the end-user or ESP to graph or statistically analyzecurtailment performance, and calculated curtailment credits, ifapplicable.

The E1-2000 records 54 preferably include attributes for each E1-2000 4assigned to end-user facilities. In the preferred embodiment, theE1-2000 records 54 include information that identities whether theE1-2000 4 is in a LAN or in a dial-up mode, the standard communicationtime interval, the stand-by communication time interval, the meter/pulsechannel allocation, the pulse meter or device protocol, the metermultiplier coefficient, the polling time interval, and the Watermarkrules, which include an upper and lower data limit validation value.

The end-user groupings 30 are records created by the ESP, preferablythrough the ESP CCC 26. The end-user groupings 30 comprise a collectionof records that the ESP forms for load consolidation. The CCC interfaceallows the ESP to preferably group end-users by group name, availableload, zip code or designated areas, notification lead times, or byselected trigger prices 56. The attributes of the ESP selectable groups58 preferably include the end-users address, the amount of energycommitted to curtailment, the notification lead time, the days availablefor load reduction, the hours available for load reduction, theavailable load, the trigger prices, and the method of curtailment,whether it be by a manual or an automatic method.

The curtailment decision matrix 32 includes Energy Price Exchange data60 (such as data available from Cinergy or Nymex, for example),generation, Transmission & Distribution (“T&D”), and data that describesthe availability of displaceable and curtailable end-user customerloads. The CCC 26 interfaces Energy Price Exchanges to obtain anddisplay indexes of relative prices from selected exchanges or hourlyspot market prices or future market prices from selected exchanges.These records provide information that allows end-users to anticipatecurtailment events and provide ESPs with lead-times to issue curtailmentnotices.

Preferably, the curtailment decision matrix provides the ESP withend-user-profiling applications. In the preferred embodiment, theseapplications provide decision support information to the ESP interface 8that allow ESPs to select end-users based on trigger prices 62, time andday constraints 64, and acquisition and/or cost constraints 66. In thetrigger price application 62, the ESP can display and/or issuecurtailment notices to end-user groups whose trigger price is less thanor equal to hourly spot market prices or to anticipated market prices.Due to generation and T&D constraints, the ESP can display and/or issuecurtailment notices to end-user customers based on the their respectivecurtailable loads and generators for load displacement. This applicationhelps reduce substation and transformer stress caused by excessive timeof day demand. The acquisition and cost constraint application 66reduces the load requirements of an ESP by displaying and/or issuingcurtailment notices to end-users based on their committed loadreductions and/or their location or the location of a selected feederline or other selectable components.

FIG. 4 illustrates how curtailment events are implemented. The processbegins when an ESP is authorized 68. The management device 10 verifiesthe ESP's user identification and password before allowing access to theCCC 26 and the management device 10. Once the ESP is authorized, itselects the end-user or end-user customer group that will be subject toa curtailment event 70. Group selection may be based on previouslydefined groups, the energy available for curtailment, notification leadtimes, trigger price thresholds, the available time for curtailment, orany other criteria or record the ESP elects. After the end-user or groupis selected, the ESP sets the curtailment parameters for the selectedend-user or group 72. In the preferred embodiment, the ESP can designatethe curtailment date, the curtailment start-time, the-curtailmentend-time, and enter an alphanumeric pager and/or facsimile and/or e-mailmessage. In alternative embodiments, the ESP can designate other CCC 26fields.

After the curtailment parameters are selected, the ESP can elect a realcurtailment 74, a test curtailment 76, or a customer warningnotification mode 78. When the ESP elects a real curtailment 74, E1-2000alarm(s) are activated and pager, facsimile, and e-mail messages(“unified messages”) are sent to the end-user'(s) designated contact(s).If the end-user elected automatic control, the E1-2000 4 initiates loadreductions through its relay (“digital”) and analog voltage channels. Ifthe end-user elected manual control, the end-user makes load reductionsor activates its internal generators after the authorized contactcommits to a curtailment. When the ESP elects a test curtailment 76, theESP has the option of activating the E1-2000 alarm(s) and/or sending theunified messages. Under test curtailment mode 76, any notifications sentto the designated contact(s) will be preceded by a designated messagesuch as “Test Curtailment.” When the ESP elects a customer warningnotification 78, E1-2000 alarm(s) are activated and unified messages aresent to the designated contact(s). However, like the test curtailmentmode 76, no relay or analog voltage channels are activated.

In the preferred embodiment, the ESP can put an end-user or group alsointo a stand-by-mode 80. In a stand-by-mode 80, the management device 10issues a ring instruction that causes the E1-2000 4 to connect to themanagement device 10. After the management device 10 and E1-2000 4interface, the E1-2000 4 downloads an updated Configuration File thatpreferably causes the E1-2000 4 to call the management device 10 at agreater frequency until the E1-2000's 4 callback field is reprogrammed.

In the preferred embodiment, the curtailment monitor 36 shown in FIG. 4allows the ESP to display the status of the end-user notification(s) andcurtailment performance. Preferably, the status page 82 displays eachend-user's name in curtailment by group(s), their load reductioncommitments, the potential load reduction capacity, and theirnotification status. The notification status will indicate if thecommunication was acknowledged or if a commitment or a rejection wasreceived by the management device 10 shown in FIG. 1.

In addition to displaying the status of the end-user's notification, thecurtailment monitor 36 allows the ESP to set load trigger points andview load profile and load control information in a variety of userselectable formats including tables and graphs. Load trigger points areset to notify the ESP and end-user when the end-user is not incompliance with a projected or an agreed performance commitment.Curtailment performance 84 can be measured by selecting a performancetable or graph that illustrates the end-user's forecasted and actualdemand. The difference between these two sets of data is one measure ofthe end-user's curtailment performance.

As shown in FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment also provides a settlementmodule 38. The settlement module 38 determines end-user credits based onmonitored load reduction performance. The end-user curtailmentperformance interface 86 is a collection of records that provides theESP with information concerning Energy Price Exchange data, end-useridentifications, the time(s) and date(s) of the curtailment event(s),and the actual and projected load reduction(s). End-user settlements canthen be calculated in any preferred manner. As illustrated in FIG. 4,credits can be calculated 88 by evaluating load reduction performanceand agreed price schedules.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block-diagram describing the end-user's curtailmentnotification and acknowledgement process 40, the end-user's identity andload management attributes 42, and the methods of implementing loadmanagement 44. An end-users curtailment notification and acknowledgement40 begins when an ESP issues a curtailment request. An ESP sends outnotification requests to selected end-user contacts individually orcollectively by selection of curtailment group(s) 90. Designatedend-user contact(s) receive notice through selected messaging or unifiedmessaging or through E1-2000 alarms. When the end-user(s) receive anotice, a designated end-user contact logs onto an on-line Site throughthe ISP 12 and the customer or end-user interface 6 shown in FIG. 1. Inthe preferred embodiment, the on-line Site is located on the Internet 16at Energy1st.com. After designated contact logs onto the Site byproviding a valid username and password, the on-line Site immediatelyprompts the designated contact to acknowledge the curtailment request byeither accepting or rejecting the request 92. An acceptance or rejectionis then entered into the CCC 26 database, which can be accessed throughthe customer or end-user interface 6 or the ESP interface 8 by selectingthe curtailment history. Preferably, end-user performance can be trackedby selecting any one of a user selectable performance tables or graphsthat illustrates the end-user's actual demand 94. Depending on theE1-2000's 4 callback schedule, curtailment can be reviewed on aprogrammed time delay or in real-time.

Preferably, the end-user identity and load management records 42 includenotification records 96, load reduction records 98, and historicalcurtailment records 100. The customer notification records 96 includefields for multiple contact names and addresses for selected or unifiedmessaging. End-user load reduction records 98 include a listing of loadreduction/displacement items, such as for example, generators, HVACunits, lighting controls systems, and building control systems thatcontrol other devices. These records preferably include attributes thatdescribe projected kilowatt reductions, trigger prices (i.e.dollars/mega-watt hour), number of days, hours per day, and years aparticular load or energy generating device can be subject to acurtailment event, notification lead times, the method of curtailment,whether curtailment will occur by a manual or an automatic method, andthe method of control whether it be by E1-2000 4 relay or analog controlchannels. The method of control can further include fields identifying adesignated relay for a relay control channel and its designated pulsewidth(s) and/or the designated analog channel(s), its interval limits,and its defined voltage steps.

The historical curtailment records 100 preferably include loadcurtailment information for current and historical curtailment notices,the dates of messaging including unified messaging, the amount of powercommitted for curtailment, the day and the time that the designatedcontact was notified, the designated contact's response, the calculatedcurtailment credits, and other end-user and ESP selectable data that canbe tracked by an end-user or an ESP in a selectable table or graphformat.

When end-users commit to a curtailment event, the end-user can reduceenergy use manually or automatically with the assistance of the E1-20004. End-users' load reduction items 102 include any energy-consumingdevise that consumes power or generating device that provides power.Thus, load reduction occurs when an end-user turns off one or severalelevator banks, electric pumps, electric furnaces, electric motors,electric chillers, or even reduces compressor loads on air conditioningunits by setting thermostats to higher temperature setting, for example.Load reductions, for example, can also include turning off nonessentiallighting or activating light dimmers or ballast controllers or caninclude activating end-user generators, turbines, or fuel cells. Anyload reduction item 102, including the exemplary items described above,is tracked by the CCC 26 and can be part of an end-user curtailmentprogram.

Preferably, there are at least two methods of curtailment 104, a manualmethod and an automatic method. A manual method occurs when dispensableloads are switched off-line or alternative energy supplies are utilizedwithout using the E1-2000 4. An automatic method occurs through theE1-2000 4 which preferably utilizes standard interfaces such as anRS-232/RS-485 asynchronous serial communication port or other interfacesand/or its relay and analog voltage channels to switch loads off-lineand/or activate alternative energy supplies.

An exemplary detailed E1-2000 4 flowchart is illustrated in FIG. 6. TheE1-2000 4 flowchart is broken up into four exemplary sections: Section 1illustrates an E1-2000 4 overview; Section 2 illustrates a log-inprocess; Section 3 illustrates a handshake process; and Section 4illustrates an E1-2000 4 communication process.

In Section 1 (106), an E1-2000 4 overview is illustrated. As shown, eachend-user facility has one or multiple E1-2000s 4 that perform protocolconversions for the ISP 12 and the management device 10, datatranslations and conversions, and message handling. The E1-2000 4preferably operates on a LINUX™ Operating System that controls theallocation and usage of hardware resources such as memory, processingunit time, and peripheral devices. The E1-2000 4 supports many types ofcommunication protocols including for example Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (“TCP/IP”) that governs the breakup of datastreams into packets to be sent via the ISP 12, and the reassembly andverification of the complete messages from packets received by InternetProtocol (“IP”); Point-to-Point Protocol (“PPP”) that providesprotection for data integrity and security; and Common Object RequestBroker Architecture (“CORBA”) which works in object-orientedenvironments where portions of programs (objects) communicate with otherobjects in other programs, even when the programs are written indifferent programming languages and/or are operating on differentsoftware platforms. A CORBA program makes its request for objectsthrough an Object Request Broker or (“ORB”) and thus does not need toknow the structure of the program that created the object. In thepreferred embodiment, the E1-2000 4 is capable of hosting many objectedorientated languages including Delphi and C++ programming languages, forexample.

In Section 2 (108), the E1-2000 4 login process is illustrated. InSection 2, the E1-2000 4 interfaces the management device 10 through theISP 12 continuously or at defined time intervals. Each E1-2000 4connects to the management device 10 through the ISP 12 through either amodem or a LAN. In the preferred embodiment, a LAN sustains continuousconnections. In alternative preferred embodiments, either a LAN or amodem sustains continuous or periodic connections. Preferably, eachE1-2000 4 possess a unique identification code and share a common username and password to interface the management device 10 and on-line Sitethrough one global ISP 12 account. However, in alternative preferredembodiments the E1-2000 4 possess unique identification codes, usernames, and passwords as a security measure.

In Section 3 (110), the E1-2000 4 initial handshake process isillustrated. In Section 3, the E1-2000 4 first interfaces the managementdevice 10 and connects to an on-line Site through the ISP 12.Preferably, the E1-2000 establishes a CORBA communication link beforeidentifying itself and its current Application Software version. TheE1-2000 4 then validates its Application Software and synchronizes itsinternal clock. After synchronizing its clock, the E1-2000 4 preferablyexecutes a number of initial administrative tasks, including: updatingits permanent and stand-by communication schedule, assuring itsConfiguration File, updating its primary and fallback ISP 12 phonenumbers and/or its Internet provider addresses, updating its primary andsecondary one-line Site addresses, updating its meter configurations,meter identifications, E1-2000 4 meter channel assignments, autopollingintervals, and meter/channel memory maps.

In Section 4 (112), a standard E1-2000 4 connection process isillustrated. After the initial handshake process is complete the E1-20004 executes its programmed communication process with the managementdevice 10. As previously described, the E1-2000 4 first identifiesitself through its unique identification code. The management device 10compares this code against a stored list of authorized E1-2000 4 codes.When the code is validated, the management device 10 allows the E1-20004 access. The E1-2000 4 then validates its Application Software andsynchronizes its internal clock with the system clock of the managementdevice 10. After its clock is synchronized, the E1-2000 4 uploads eachof its individual meter or device readings, which are validated by themanagement device 10 and then stored in the CCC 26 database. If anyWatermark violations occurred since the last E1-2000 4 interface, theseviolations are uploaded, validated, and entered in the CCC 26 database.The E1-2000 4 next downloads its callback connection schedule andvalidates its Configuration File. In the preferred embodiment, when theConfiguration File is updated the callback connection field is updatedas well. If any curtailment instructions were entered at the on-lineSite or sent directly to the management device 10 by the ESP interface8, the E1-2000 4 downloads curtailment notification instructions beforeclearing expired or uploaded data, logging off of the management device10, and disconnecting from the ISP 12.

FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the management device 10.The management device 10 is a controller or program that responds tocommands from the E1-2000 4, the customer or end-user interface 6, theESP interface 8, and an administrative interface 122. Preferably, themanagement device 10 operates in a time-sharing environment of datamanagement, information sharing between ESPs, end-users, Energy PriceExchanges, E1-2000's 4, and other peripheral user interfaces and devicesand provides sophisticated network administrative and security featuresincluding Firewalls and ring instructions. In the preferred embodiment,the management device 10 comprises a control device 234 that interfacesthe network access device through a distributed network and furthersupports an on-line Site that comprises a communication service 116, aninformation service 118 such as the CCC 26 database service, and adistributed network service 120. In the preferred embodiment, thedistributed network service 120 is a Web Application Service thatarranges text, images, and buttons to be read and utilized by Internetusers all across the world.

As shown in FIG. 7, the management device 10 supports an on-line Sitethat supports three service elements. Each service element resides onone or more servers that preferably are supported by secondary serversthat are connected to a separate access provider such as an ISP 12 thenthe primary servers they backup and support. The secondary serversmirror the primary servers in their services and functionality.

The communication service 116 is preferably a server-side device thatallows the E1-2000s 4 to seamlessly interface a control device 284 shownin FIG. 1. The control device 284 is a circuit, software or any otherdevice, system, or code that connects hardware or platforms so thatinformation can be moved from place to place. Preferably, thecommunication service 116 supports TCP/IP, PPP, and CORBA communicationprotocols. The communication service 116 supports many othercommunication protocols in alternative preferred embodiments includingSerial Line Internet Protocol (“SLIP”) communication protocol forexample. Moreover, the communication service 116 can provide a secureconnection between devices meaning the information end-user, E1-2000 andESP interfaces 6, 4, and 8 provide, such as energy curtailment goals andreal-time demand, can be encrypted so that it cannot be read orintercepted by unauthorized devices or users.

Preferably, the database service 118 is also a server-side device. Inthe preferred embodiment, the database service 118 comprises a serverthat supports a relational database that has OLE capabilities thatstores information in tables-rows and columns of data. The rows of thetable represent records and the columns represent fields. The databaseallows searches to be conducted in which the database matchesinformation from a field in one table with information in acorresponding field of another table to produce a third table thatcombines requested data from both tables in a high-resolution graphic ortable format. In other words, the preferred database uses values frommultiple fields to relate information to other fields.

Preferably, the Web Application service 120 hosts all end-user and ESPrelated interfaces 6 and 8 and functions that are accessible through thecustomer or end-user interface 6, the ESP interface 8, and theadministrative interface 122. It further comprises a group of relatedtext files that contain not only Hypertext Markup Language (“HTML”) andExtensible Markup Language (“XML”) tags as in standard Internetdocuments, but also can contain commands, written in scripting languagesuch as Visual Basic Script (“VBScript”) that can be executed by theservers. The Web Application service 120 enables end-users and ESP's tocustomize the viewing, delivery, and exchange of information throughstandard Uniform Resource Locators (“URL”) through Web browsers, such asMicrosoft Internet Explorer™ or Netscape Navigator™, for example.

FIGS. 8-24 illustrate the Graphical User Interfaces (“GUI”) thatrepresent programs, files, and end-user and ESP options by means oficons, menus, and dialog boxes. The user can activate these options bypointing and clicking a mouse, entering a keyboard command, or usingmany other communication devices. All of the icons, menus, and dialogboxes function the same way across many software platforms, because theGUI provides standard software routines that make these functionscompatible with many URLs. Other network connections are provided inalternative preferred embodiments including command-line-interfaces andmenu-driven interfaces. A command-line-interface is an interface thatallows users to enter commands. A command-line-interface can beconsidered more difficult to use than GUIs because they are programmableinterfaces. Menu-driven interfaces can also be considered easier to usethan command-line-interfaces as these interfaces provide menus of allavailable user choices and options.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary start-page of the on-line Site. Thispage is accessible through the Internet 16 and serves to welcome users,provide information about the Site, and direct the users to energyinformation, rate analysis, management of loads and energy supplies, andset up modifications after the end-user or ESP logs on to the on-lineSite using their usernames and passwords. In other words, this pagefunctions as a table of contents of the Site. A brief overview of theESP accessible pages is described below.

After an ESP selects Energy Info, the on-line Site directs the user toFIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary address dialog-box. As shown,Accounts 124 is a menu-driven field that allows ESPs to view existingaccounts or add new accounts to the Site. This page preferably recordsaddress and telephone data.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary contact dialog-box that solicits thedesignated contact's addresses. These fields preferably include primaryand secondary pager access numbers 126 and 128, a facsimile number 132,and e-mail or net address(es) 130.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary load summary dialog-box. The exemplaryload-summary dialog-box preferably displays a summary ofreduction/displacement items 148 that can be updated by a click of amouse. The exemplary load-dialog-box preferably includesreduction/displacement item attributes that indicate if the items areactive 134, the kilowatt reduction 136, the trigger method whether it bemanual or method 138, the notification lead times 140, the days eachitem is available in the season 142, the hours per day 144, and thetrigger price 146.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary option dialog-box. The exemplary optiondialog-box allows the ESP to identify the E1-2000 4 and its associatedperipheral load(s) or generator(s) that are referred to as items 150. Itfurther includes attributes on each item that preferably includeskilowatt reductions 152, a trigger price 154, the days per year 156,hours per day 158, notification lead time in minutes 160, and whetherthe item is activated and/or deactivated by the analog and/or relaycontrolled (“digital”) voltage channels 162-168.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary end-user forecast. The end-userforecast is selectable by customer and date and preferably provides anhourly forecast of expected energy use in kilowatts.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary communication summary. Thecommunication summary preferably summarizes the curtailment date 170,whether a unified message or selected message was sent 172, the amountof energy committed for curtailment 174, the date and time the end-usercontact was notified 176, the expected curtailment time 178, and theend-user's contact response to the curtailment notification 180.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary E1-2000 4 dialog-box describing a HVACinterface assigned to an exemplary zone. FIG. 15 shows all of thedefinable fields of an interface, which includes the device assignmentor owner 182, the type of device or name 184, the zone identification186, the communication line access field and telephone number 190 and192, the password 194, the MAC address 196, the communication minutes ofthe device 198, the temporary communication minutes 200, a descriptionof the device 204 and a list of user selectable options 206.

FIG. 15 further illustrates exemplary meter attributes. It illustratesthe zone identifications of multiple standard meters 208, theirrespective accumulator channel assignments 218, their alias 210, thetype of meter 212, their autopolling intervals 216, and theirmultipliers. Because the aggregate pulse count of the exemplary standardmeter of FIG. 15 is proportional to the total watt-hours tracked by themeter, a multiplier field is provided which allows the management device10 to calculate the precise amount of energy monitored by the meter. Asillustrated, the total watt-hours tracked by the exemplary standardmeter of FIG. 15, is directly proportional to the aggregate pulse countof the standard meter and thus the multiplier is one. In alternativepreferred embodiments, the multiplier can be any real number that whenmultiplied by the aggregate pulse count calculates the total watt-hoursconsumed by the device.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary log of an exemplary zone. Besidesidentifying the date 220 and time 224 of the communication between theE1-2000 4 and management device 10 it also provides a status message 226indicating the condition of the communication link.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary E1-2000 dialog box assigned to anotherexemplary zone. It identifies the alias 210, the type of device 212, themultiplier 214, the autopolling interval 216 in minutes, and a list ofuser selectable options 206.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary Watermark dialog-box of the exemplaryzone. In the preferred embodiment, the Watermark dialog-box includes thetype 228, which identifies Hi, LO, EQ, and LONZ fields, the limits forthese respective fields 230, and whether the Watermark zone is active232 or suspect 234. A summary of recent Watermark violations is alsoillustrated which identifies the rule 236 that was violated, thetimestamp 238, the kilowatt reading that caused the violation 240, andwhether the management device 10 was notified 242 of the violation.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary application function. As shown, the ESPcan sort by end-user names 244 or by ESP definable groups 246. Eachend-user selected by name or by groups can be displayed with the numberof kilowatts they committed to curtailment 248, their respectivenotification lead times 250, the days the commitments are available 252,the hours per day 254, the total kilowatts available 256, the triggerprice 258, and the communication or dispatch method 260, whether it beby alarm or messaging.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary start-page dialog-box of thecurtailment system. An ESP must provide a valid username and passwordbefore being granted access.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary application function for thecurtailment system. As shown, the ESP can sort by end-user names or ESPdefinable groups. ESP selectable fields can further define eachend-user. These fields preferably include energy use 264, availablepower for curtailment 266, minimum or maximum lead times 268, andcurtailment duration intervals 270.

FIG. 22 illustrates the exemplary message initiation functions. Asshown, the ESP can customize its unified messaging and schedule theirdispatch.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary curtailmentnotification/acknowledgement status summary. The summary includesend-user addresses 272, designated contacts 274, curtailmentnotification status 276, the time of acknowledgement 278, theirkilowatts committed 280, and the end-user's potential kilowattreductions 282.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary user-defined graphic. As shown,incremental kilowatt load forecast data over twenty four-hour periods isgraphed against actual demand. The difference between these graphs isone measure of the end-user's curtailment performance.

From the foregoing description is should be apparent that the system andmethod of the present invention facilitates energy redistribution andtrade initiated by ESPs in response to energy market conditions and timeand day constraints. The invention provides monitoring, control, andanalysis of load profiles and energy market prices that cover a largenumber of distributed end-users. One preferred embodiment of theinvention relies on the infrastructure of the Internet utilizing a startopology and TCP/IP and CORBA protocols. The CORBA protocol streamlinesthe communication between end-users, ESPs and E1-2000s 4 with themanagement device 10 and on-line Site thus enabling a large number ofusers to report to one management device 10 or a single server.Moreover, one preferred embodiment monitors multiple power consumingdevices at decentralized locations to initiate load-shedding processesand also utilizes end-users generation capacity for load displacement,initiating manual and automatic load reduction plans using unifiedmessaging, and can make unutilized energy available for resale on thespot or open market through its interface(s) to Energy Price Exchanges.

The foregoing description has described only a few of the many formsthat the invention can take, and should therefore be taken asillustrative rather than limiting. It is only the following claims,including all equivalents, which are intended to define the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for monitoring and controlling energydistribution from at least one energy service provider, comprising: apublicly accessible decentralized distributed network; a network accessdevice that interfaces power monitoring and power curtailment circuitryto said distributed network; and a management device that supportsinterfaces to said power monitoring and said power curtailmentcircuitry, said management device located remotely from said networkaccess device, and comprising a control device that interfaces saidnetwork access device through said publicly accessible distributednetwork when said network access device initiates communications atpredetermined time intervals and wherein said management device controlselectrical loads at a remote location based in part on market prices ofelectricity.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said network access deviceis located at said remote location and said control device interfacessaid network access device automatically at programmed time intervals.3. The system of claim 1 wherein said management device controlselectrical power distribution to said remote location based on theavailable supply of electric power from said at least one electricservice provider.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said network accessdevice further comprises a carrier sense multiple access with collisiondetection interface that regulates communication between said networkaccess device and an external device at said remote location.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising a communication device interfacedwith said management device that automatically notifies a user of ananticipated load reduction.
 6. The system of claim 1 further comprisingan interface that supports communication from an input and an outputdevice interconnected with said publicly accessible decentralizeddistributed network and located remotely from said network accessdevice.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said input and said outputdevice is located remotely from said management device.
 8. The system ofclaim 6 wherein said interface comprises at least one of a command-lineinterface, a menu-driven interface, and a graphical user interface. 9.The system of claim 6 wherein said input device comprises a keyboard andsaid output device comprises a terminal.
 10. The system of claim 1wherein said network access device further comprises a pulse accumulatorinterfaced to said power monitoring circuitry.
 11. The system of claim10 wherein said network access device further comprises a multiplierinterfaced to said pulse accumulator to measure electrical energymonitored by said power monitoring circuitry.
 12. The system of claim 1wherein said network access device is a programmable device that storesdata in a memory.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein said network accessdevice further comprises a programmable flash memory that retains atleast one of an operating system software and a system software, andwherein said flash memory is configured to receive said operating systemsoftware and said system software on a command of said managementdevice.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein said publicly accessibledecentralized distributed network comprises the Internet.
 15. The systemof claim 1 further comprising at least one of a visual and an audiblealarm electrically interconnected with said network access device. 16.The system of claim 1 wherein said management device further comprises amanagement clock and said network access device further comprises anetwork clock that is synchronized to said management clock when saidmanagement device interfaces said network access device.
 17. The systemof claim 1 further comprising a plurality of manually activated switcheswherein at least one switch is adapted to initiate a connection betweensaid network access device and said management device and at least oneswitch is adapted to reset said network access device.
 18. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one manually activated switchadapted to initiate a connection between said network access device andsaid management device when actuating a first state and adapted to resetsaid network access device when actuating a second state.